Wiltshire villagers slam plans for solar farm near M4

Plans were recently revealed for a 60MWp farm, named Red Barn by developers Eden Renewables, on the outskirts of Kington St Michael, to the west of the A350.

The scheme has the potential to power 15,000 average Wiltshire homes.

But the proposals have been met with anger by some residents who are concerned the development will be an “eyesore” that blights the village.

Villager Chris Niker, along with over a dozen supporters, has been putting up posters around the local area that read: “No to Red Barn solar farm”.

The plans for the new solar farm (Image: Eden Renewables)

He said: “It’s not all solar farms, it’s the size and location of them. Wiltshire has already done its fair share, we’ve got three of the largest farms.

“These things should be spread across the country. I think it’s going to make this a less attractive village to live in and will devalue both the village and the properties in it.

“I don’t have a problem with solar farms, I just have a problem with the size of them… it’s the fact that it’s so big and will open up Chippenham and the surrounding areas to all sorts. It’s wrong.”

Mr Niker has started a petition, in an attempt to gather support against the development, and claims he has already received almost 100 signatures from other concerned locals.

Red Barn is the third development put forward by Eden Renewables in the county, after schemes at Leigh Delamere and Forest Gate near Derry Hill were approved.

The proposed site of the solar farm (Image: Newsquest)

The plans include over 45 acres of publicly accessible land and aim to improve biodiversity while also offering a £24,000 per year community benefit fund.

Responding to the criticism, the company’s head of UK development Ross Wolhuter said: “We understand that some people don't like to see change in the countryside. However, solar farms make great neighbours – unlike housing or commercial developments, they are quiet, do not generate much traffic and are easy to screen.

“At Red Barn we have taken many residents' views on board already, locating the solar panels well away from the village with minimal visual impact. There’s no evidence that well designed sites like this one have any impact on property values in the UK.

“We will welcome local people to come along to our public consultation to see this for themselves, on June 26 from 3pm to 7.30pm.”